
Understanding the Behaviour of Carpenter Ants
The lifecycle of carpenter ants
Understanding the lifecycle and behaviour of carpenter ants is vital if you're to protect your home effectively. These pests undergo four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Development from egg to adult can take several weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions. Here's a deeper look into each stage:- The Egg stage: The queen lays eggs after mating with a male. The eggs are tiny, sticky, and initially clustered together to form a small pile.
- The Larva stage: When the eggs hatch, legless larvae emerge. At this stage, the larvae depend entirely on workers for food.
- The Pupa stage: After the larvae have moulted several times, they change into pupae. Pupae appear somewhat like adults but their legs and antennae are folded against their bodies.
- The Adult stage: After a varying length of time in the pupal stage, the final moult occurs and an adult emerges. New adults often appear in the late summer.
Where do carpenter ants nest?
Carpenter ants usually nest in moist wood or structures already damaged by other insects. While the primary nest is often outdoors, they also establish satellite nests inside structures such as walls, insulation, and doors. Workers create smooth tunnels deep into the wood, creating structural weakness and potential for significant damage over time.Signs of Carpenter Ants in Your House
Identifying the presence of carpenter ants in your home is crucial to prevent structural damage. Several indicators can point to an infestation, some of which include:- Noises: A faint rustling sound in your walls or floors could indicate a carpenter ant nest. Described as a 'rustling' or 'crackling' sound, it's the noise of worker ants digging into the wood to expand their colony.
- Frass: This is a sawdust-like material that ants discard as they tunnel through wood. Seeing piles of frass around your property may be a sign you have a carpenter ant nest.
- Ant Trails: Carpenter ants are usually active at night; thus, if you see a trail in your home after sunset, you likely have an infestation.
- Discarded Wings: Carpenter ants discard their wings after mating. If you find piles of wings, then you have an active nest inside or near your property.
A Seasonal Perspective on Pest Control: Why it Matters
Infestations are not a singular event, but rather, a year-round problem that requires sustained vigilance and a game plan suited to each changing season. This is where Truly Nolen’s unique seasonal approach to pest control comes into action. The Four Seasons Protection Plan was curated by Truly Nolen to effectively combat carpenter ants, in addition to other pests, throughout the entire year.What is the Four Seasons Protection Plan?
The Four Seasons Protection Plan is a dynamic, year-round pest control program specifically designed to adapt to the behaviours of pests in each season. Spanning from spring renewal to winter hibernation, this plan is constructed around the life cycles of pests, ensuring protection at all times. It involves an initial detailed inspection, followed by a comprehensive plan, which includes quarterly inspections and treatments as required.Why Choose the Four Seasons Protection Plan?
With the Four Seasons Protection Plan, the focus is on proactive countermeasures rather than reactive ones. Rather than combating ants once they have settled in, the plan lays out preventative measures to protect your home from the very beginning.- Thorough Inspection: Our team of trained professionals conducts an initial inspection of your property to understand the extent of the problem, if it exists, and to devise a foolproof plan.
- Customized Solutions: Depending on the inspection results, pest control tactics are tailored to suit your needs.
- Regular Check-ups: Seasonal visits ensure that your property remains safe from carpenter ants all year round. During each visit, the service technician will thoroughly inspect your property for signs of infestation, treat as needed, and give a detailed report.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: At Truly Nolen, our commitment is to keep your home safe and free from pests. With our Four Seasons Protection Plan, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If carpenter ants reappear between our scheduled visits, we will return at no extra cost.
Getting Started with Truly Nolen: Your Partnership Against Pests
